5th March 2005

Ben Pike the 18year old potting machine from East Devon, set a new United Kingdom National Record during the fifth in the series of the West Of England Billiards and Snooker Foundation (WEBSF) Junior Silver Waistcoat Tour. This event was held in Cornwall at Bells Court Snooker Club, Falmouth. Pike who became a Member The WEBSF this season, beat the previous highest break record with a magnificent 116. The existing record of 114 was held by last seasons regional winner Grant Cole (Plymouth). In addition to this fine break there were no fewer than four breaks of 70+, nine of 50+ and 29 breaks between 30 and 50. This illustrates just how high a standard the youngsters are setting.

Although Pike set a new benchmark he still needs to work on his frame winning consistency, he will then be a real contender to lift the overall tournament series. No-doubt this will come in the not to distant future but for now he had to be content with seeing the most consistent match players of the tour, Darren Bond (Tiverton) and Grant Cole (Plymouth) battle out yet another final. Bond won by the narrowest of margins of 3-2 in a closely contested final. Bond’s is the only player to win two tour events this season and takes the top spot in the rankings from Cole. For Cole this was the second final which he failed to convert into a victory. Never-the-less he still remains one of the most consistent player on the tour, with the other players playing catch up behind these two.

The group stages produced some great performances, not only from the best players but also from Danny Wicks and Danny Bolt, both from Plymouth, who turned in good results in their groups. Sam Edmunds narrowly failed to reach the final stages of the tournament by the narrowest of margins after a strong performance in his group.

The quarter finals produced some very interesting pairings with Robert Charman (Redruth) versus Grant Cole, Cole running out the winner 2-0. For Charman this was the second time he as reached the last 8. He is sure to be a strong contender for future tournaments.

Other quarter final matches saw one of the quietest and most highly respected players on the tour, 15 year old James Hendry, defeat the very consistent Darran Lock 2-0. Hendry has a very natural style which is improving all the time. He is sure to win a tour event soon.

Sam Baird (Tiverton) accounted for Ben Pike (Honiton) 2-1 in a very close match with neither player giving any quarter. In the last of the quarter final matches Darren Bond overcame local and ever improving Bobby Southworth (Falmouth) 2-0

In the semi finals Grant Cole just managed to beat James Hendry 2-1 to book is place in the final along side Darren Bond who won his match against fellow Tiverton League representative Sam Baird 2-1.

The final turned out to be an anti climax with regard to break building with both players feeling the strain of a full days competitive match play. The first two frames were shared and the match was set to go either way but for the outstanding single ball potting of 14 year old Darren Bond. Time and time again he produces great pots when it counts. The turning point in this match saw Bond take two tremendous pots in frame four, clearing the pink and black to win the frame. In the final frame onlookers saw Bond in full flight, full of confidence and running out a worthy winner.

Keith Milliard the tournament director said "this tournament never fails to produce the very best from all of the competitors. I was fortunate to witness the first ever century break in this championship last season in Bells Court Snooker Club (Falmouth), to see a second century break at the same club must be some kind of a record." He went on to say "With the number of players taking up the challenge this tour is becoming a stepping stone for all aspiring youngsters throughout the West of England to reach there full potential in the sport. I would urge all players from all clubs to take up the challenge and bring our sport to all within the West of England.

The next tour event is at Sidwell Snooker Club, Exeter on the 2nd of April 2005 . For full details go to www.websf.co.uk and download an entry form or contact Roger Cole on 07850 882770.

Report by Roger Cole